Tragedy struck the Sluiskiltunnel this morning as two people lost their lives due to a severe accident involving a tank truck. According to police reports, the accident occurred around 11:30 AM in the North Tube of the tunnel, which is the route leading toward the Westerscheldetunnel.
Witness accounts suggest the tank truck overturned, leading to the unfortunate deaths of its two occupants. Currently, no other vehicles have been reported to be involved, leading investigators to believe the truck was solely responsible for the accident.
Immediately following the incident, authorities took swift action to shut down the Sluiskiltunnel in both directions to provide ample space for emergency services to respond effectively. The South Tube has since reopened, allowing traffic to resume, but the North Tube is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day, especially as police are conducting an investigation to ascertain the specifics of how the accident unfolded.
A police spokesperson stated, "The overturned truck is lying across the tunnel," emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "Deep tracks have been left on the asphalt, so repairs will also need to be conducted on the surface." This additional information indicates the closure of the North Tube might extend even beyond the evening rush hour.
Motorists driving from Belgium toward the Westerscheldetunnel are advised to follow the alternate route U65, which redirects traffic via the 'old route' over the Sluiskil bridge. This detour has become necessary due to the complete blockage of the North Tube, which is expected to complicate travel for many commuters.
With the investigation likely to continue through the afternoon, officials have urged drivers to exercise patience and plan for delays during their travels. The tragic event not only raises concerns about the safety of such highways but prompts questions about the circumstances leading up to this fatal situation.
The local authorities will continue to monitor the developments surrounding the investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available. The community mourns the loss, and expressions of condolences pour in for the victims of this unfortunate accident.
While the South Tube is accessible, the North Tube's future remains uncertain, with the timing of when it might reopen still undecided. The repair work expected after the accident could take additional time, prompting local transport organizations to prepare for systemic traffic challenges during peak hours.
The Sluiskiltunnel, often seen as a lifeline for transport across the region, will now serve as the site of thorough investigations by police and transport officials alike. The focus on ensuring safety and preventing future incidents is expected to drive discussions concerning infrastructure improvements and operational safety protocols following such tragic events.